Lexus CT 200h first five-door compact car

The new CT 200h is Lexus's first five-door compact car. It's also the fourth model in the current five-car Lexus range – the low-volume super-expensive LFA hypercar excepted – to be powered by full hybrid drive, and the first full hybrid car from any manufacturer in the premium compact segment. Like the Auris Hybrid, the lexus ct 200h owes much to the Prius as its entire powertrain – petrol engine, electric motor, transmission (shift lever knob excepted), battery and re-generative braking systems – has effectively been lifted straight from the Prius. The CT also makes use of the Prius chassis platform, although with a 100mm shorter wheelbase and a multitude of structural and design modifications Lexus justifiably describes the CT 200h's platform as new

What can't be disputed is the lexus ct 200h 0.28 figure Cd, which is about as low as it currently gets, and, along with the hybrid drive system its low-drag aerodynamics, contributes toward the CT's impressive eco credentials.

In electric-only (EV), Eco and Normal driving modes the upper part of the binnacle is gently backlit in Hybrid Blue. Returning to the driving experience, I mentioned at the top of the page that the CT 200h has a distinctly sporting character. On a bumpy road the chassis and body feel exceptionally rigid and well-controlled. The ride is firm but impressively compliant, while the speed-sensitive electric power steering is direct (just 2.7 turns lock-to-lock). Lexus has high hopes riding on the lexus ct 200h.

TOYOTA’S huge success with the Prius hybrid presents Lexus with a prime sales opportunity for the CT 200h.
Lexus statistics reveal 10 percent of people who move out of the Toyota Prius go to a C-segment premium car – a sector where the company has, until now, not had a product offer.
It is these buyers Lexus is targeting with the new CT 200h.
The most expensive Prius currently retails for £23,398.
Communication plans are already being planned; our contact said Lexus may introduce a competitive leasing deal to win attention for the car.
Strong predicted retained values from CAP help here: the firm’s given a preliminary 41 percent RV figure, just behind an Audi A3 on 42 percent.

Lexus dealers are similarly retail-focused.
Lexus just hopes you buy it. The CT 200h is made for Europeans, where small hatchbacks and eco-cred go a lot farther. Total system output is just 134 hp, counting 98 hp from the 1.8-liter gasoline-fueled four and the rest from a pair of electrically powered motor generators.
"I designed it to be fun to drive ."
If you are a Prius pilot looking for more excitement, you'll be happy if not thrilled. The CT 200h uses the same 2ZR-FXE 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-i four as the Prius. The 201.6 volts from the battery pack are boosted to 500 volts for normal acceleration and 650 volts in sport mode.
Sport mode is one of four modes available. Sport mode changes the response of the vehicle's speed-sensitive electric power steering, traction control and power control unit for what Toyota describes as "excitement." To further that excitement, the CT's body is stiffened with extensive use of high-strength steel and lightened with an aluminum hood, bumper reinforcements and rear door. In place of passive strut-tower braces, the lexus ct 200h has performance dampers connecting the two MacPherson struts in front and the trailing-arm double wishbones in the rear. These stiff dampers reduce vibrations while also stiffening the body structure.
Lexus lists competitors as the Audi A3, the BMW 1-series and the Volvo C30.
2011 Lexus CT 200h